Traditional Mass Flow Meters

When comparing traditional mass flow sensors to ATC’s micro-flow technology and sensors, there is very little in common. The only commonality is the usage of the mass conversation law to perform the leakage flow measurement.

Typically traditional mass flow sensors are hot wire sensors that operate on the heat loss principle and designed for general flow applications (e.g continuous pipe flow). ATC’s micro-flow sensors, like the IGLS, are used for leak testing. They are designed for leak testing, where air flows into a closed volume and where pressure waves and temperature effects are more noticeable.

Traditional mass flow sensors are very temperature sensitive when it comes to leak testing. Therefore, to resolve the stability issues of mass flow sensors, a longer test time or an increase in measurement thresholds is typically required. The mass flow sensor needs to be protected from overflow as well, whereas the IGLS does not. Therefore, traditional Mass Flow Instrument test circuits are more complicated and quite different from ATC’s micro-flow based instruments. Consult ATC if you are looking to upgrade or replace your traditional mass flow leak test system.